WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff believes former WWE Women\’s Champion Ronda Rousey should have been booked as a heel during her time in WWE. Bischoff reckoned that WWE missed an opportunity by presenting her as a babyface.
Bischoff explained that Rousey\’s intensity and combat sports background made her a natural fit for a heel role. He added that Rousey never fully clicked with the WWE audience and seemed unmotivated, driven more by the payday than a genuine passion for professional wrestling.
\”Ronda is a natural heel. She should have never been positioned as a babyface in WWE.\” He argued that her background as a fighter made her more believable as an aggressive force. Bischoff also called Rousey overrated in professional wrestling.
WWE Raw in Atlanta is facing significant weather delays that are impacting the production side of tonight\’s show. The episode that is scheduled for February 23rd, 2026, at State Farm Arena, might see adjustments due to the winter storm affecting the East Coast.
As per Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer, the weather is primarily affecting the production side. With Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport experiencing cancellations and delays, the production team may have to make last-minute adjustments. This could mean delays involving crew, equipment, staging, and technical setup.
Potential Impact on WWE Raw
Alvarez reported, \”Massive weather delays affecting RAW, mostly on production side.\”
As of now, WWE has not officially announced any changes to the lineup.
The show is set to feature a tribute to AJ Styles, an appearance by Brock Lesnar, Liv Morgan making her WrestleMania decision as the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner.
Maxxine Dupri is also set to face Nattie. A Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier featuring Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane, and a Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier with Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano are also scheduled to take place on the show.
Former Women\’s NXT North American Champion Blake Monroe grew up dreaming of being a WWE Superstar and she says that singular goal is what drove her to compete across the world before eventually signing with the company in 2025.
Speaking with Sam Roberts on Notsam Wrestling, Monroe reflected on the full arc of her journey and why landing in NXT felt like a destination rather than just a stepping stone.
\”I\’m definitely a student of the game,\” Monroe said. \”I was a really big wrestling fan growing up and always wanted to be a WWE superstar. It\’s kind of why I started wrestling and went all over the world.\”
The Women\’s Division Was the Draw
Monroe was specific about what made WWE the right move at the right time. Beyond the childhood dream, she cited the depth and prominence of WWE\’s women\’s division as a major pull.
\”One of the big reasons I wanted to come to WWE was just because the women\’s division is so deep,\” she said. \”And they really put an emphasis on their women. So that was a really attractive point for me. But also NXT — I wanted to train more.\”
Monroe also pushed back on the idea that NXT is merely a developmental pit stop on the way to Raw or SmackDown. With a lengthy list of potential opponents and championships still ahead of her on the brand, she sees no reason to rush.
\”I don\’t know why there is some kind of \’I need to be called up,\’\” she said. \”I\’m not in any rush. I still have so much to do. I\’ve hardly feuded with any of the women. I haven\’t even approached the main women\’s title. So there\’s so much to do.\”
When she does eventually look beyond NXT, Monroe rattled off a full wish list: the Intercontinental title, the US title, the world title, Money in the Bank, and the Royal Rumble.
\”For me to have a million-and-one things to achieve is great,\” she said. \”It\’s definitely that balance of: you\’re doing good, but you\’ve got to keep yourself hungry.\”
Monroe also highlighted the importance of appreciating the moment without becoming complacent.
\”I think there\’s a perfect balance — yes, you focus on yourself and what you\’re trying to achieve, but it\’s really important to be like, \’This is really cool. I made it.\’ As long as you don\’t get caught up in that, because the hard work really does start now.\”
Monroe is set to face Thea Hail on February 24th, 2026 edition of NXT in the first round of the tournament to decide the next challenger for the Women’s Speed Championship.
Rhea Ripley, one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion recently sustained a visible facial injury during her singles match against WWE Women\’s United States Champion Giulia on the latest episode of SmackDown at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
According to Wrestlingnews.co, the injury seemingly occurred when Ripley took the curb stomp. While both of the superstars have gold around their waist, the match was a non-title affair. Giulia dominated much of the match against Rhea Ripley. However, Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked both of them. In the end, IYO SKY made the save for Ripley.
Currently, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Ripley and IYO SKY, are involved in a rivalry with Giulia and Kiana James. Ripley is also scheduled to compete in the upcoming Women’s Elimination Chamber match.
This is the third time Rhea Ripley has suffered such a notable facial injury. In 2024, she suffered an Orbital socket/broken nose injury that required her to wear a protective mask during shows. In 2025, she sustained a second broken nose injury, which again necessitated the use of a facial mask.
Blake Monroe recently revealed that she was carrying a serious hidden injury when she lost the NXT Women\’s North American Championship to Thea Hail and it prevented her from getting immediate revenge.
\”I actually got injured too,\” Monroe said. \”I damaged all the cartilage in my ribs. I spent my Christmas break bandaged up like this, having to do rehab, thinking of all the things I would do to Thea Hail — and then never actually got to wrestle her. So there\’s a lot of feeling.\”
Monroe Blames the Referee
The controversial finish to that December NXT match caught nearly everyone off guard, including Hail herself. Monroe has been consistent in pointing the finger at the official, and she doubled down during the interview.
\”I feel like the ref was clearly in a rush to get home — he counted that quick,\” she said. \”It was definitely very exciting and I\’m going to get my revenge next week in under three minutes.\”
Monroe also acknowledged the double-edged nature of the situation, calling attention a form of currency in the wrestling business.
\”The theme of my career is: people will talk about me — and who are you if you\’re not talked about, to be honest.\”
\”The glamour stocks are rising. We had a little dip, but we\’re going back up.\”
Monroe currently appears motivated, healthy, and very much ready to reclaim what she considers hers. She is scheduled to face Thea Hail on February 24th, 2026 edition of NXT in the first round of the tournament to determine the next challenger for the Women’s Speed Championship.
Former WWE superstar Eva Marie recently confirmed that the tension between her and the rest of the Total Divas cast was authentic. She also discussed her sobriety journey during a recent interview.
Speaking on the “Insight” podcast, Eva Marie noted that she understands why her co-stars felt that way, explaining that everyone in the women’s locker room was fighting for TV time while she arrived as a featured personality on the reality series. She added that they are all on good terms now.
Eva Marie on Total Divas Drama
Eva Marie confirmed the authenticity of the drama on Total Divas, stating:
“Oh, that **** was real. I mean, we’re all good now, but that’s why I can laugh and talk about it, because that **** was [real].”
She elaborated on being an outsider, saying:
“For sure, and I totally get it. ‘Pay your dues. Who is this bitch? We’ve been going hard for the last X amount of years.’ You have to think too, not only were there two-minute matches, there is one storyline for the girls, so it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
Eva Marie joined WWE in 2013 and was soon called up to the main roster. She also competed in NXT for a year. Her run with the company in 2016 was shortened due to a Wellness Policy suspension, and she was pulled from the SummerSlam card and replaced by Nikki Bella.
Eventually, she parted ways with WWE in 2017 before returning for a second run in 2021. However, she was released during the round of layoffs.
Blake Monroe recently reflected on the controversial finish to her NXT Women\’s North American Title match against Thea Hail on the December 16th, 2025, edition of NXT. The botched ending led to Hail becoming champion and it ended Monroe\’s first title run in the company.
Monroe, who lost the title to Hail due to miscommunication after having the wind knocked out of her, addressed the situation on Notsam Wrestling. She also revealed she damaged cartilage in her ribs around Christmas time after the match.
Blake Monroe\’s Reaction
During the interview, Monroe didn\’t hold back her feelings. She revealed that she’s frustrated that Thea Hail will now be permanently linked to her career, admitting the situation affected her emotionally. The former champ further acknowledged the shocking defeat and criticized the referee for a fast count. Monroe said:
\”Yes. I mean, look, the negative is Thea Hail will always be attached to me now. I have to wrestle her next week and you\’re lucky I\’ve shown up today. I was going to go to therapy, but I decided to be a company woman and show up. But no, I mean, I think the theme of my career is people will talk about me and who are you if you\’re not talked about, to be honest. And it was definitely shocking and I feel like the ref was clearly in a rush to get home. I mean, he counted that quick, but um no, it was definitely very exciting and I\’m going to get my revenge next week in under three minutes.\”
Blake Monroe is once again set to face Thea Hail in the first round of the NXT Women\’s Speed Championship #1 contender tournament on the February 24th, 2026, episode of NXT.
Former close friends Maxxine Dupri and Nattie are set to clash in a singles match on the February 23rd, 2026, edition of WWE Raw in Atlanta, Georgia. This announcement comes after their previous encounter on February 9th, 2026 that ended in a double count-out.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce has announced the match during his weekly rundown of the card. The show is set to emanate from the State Farm Arena. Pearce said, \”Maxxine Dupri will go one-on-one with Nattie. There is plenty of bad blood there.\”
Happy Sunday, all…
A little preview ahead of our tribute to @AJStylesOrg TOMORROW NIGHT on #WWERaw in Atlanta!
The February 23, 2026, edition of WWE Raw is all stacked up. It will feature a tribute to AJ Styles, who recently retired after losing to Gunther. Former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar is also scheduled to make an appearance.
A Women\’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match between Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane, and the Men\’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match featuring Bronson Reed, Jey Uso, and Original El Grande Americano are also on the cards.
2026 Women\’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan is also scheduled to make her decision about her WrestleMania opponent.
Former NXT Women\’s North American Champion Blake Monroe isn’t concerned about a main roster call-up right now and she explained that she’s focused on dominating in NXT. She believes NXT is in a unique position with huge stars and many viewers.
Monroe addressed the situation herself during an appearance on NotSam Wrestling on February 22nd, 2026. Rather than sounding frustrated, Monroe explained that she’s focused on building her name in NXT.
Blake Monroe is not rushing her call-up
Monroe pushed back on the common belief that every NXT superstar should be desperate for a call-up. During the interview, she explained:
“I don’t know why there’s always this mindset of, ‘I need to be called up.’ I’m not in any rush. I still have so much to do.”
She then pointed to unfinished business in the women’s division, referencing past and current rivals like Jordynne Grace and Jaida Parker.
Monroe is also set to face Thea Hail on February 24th, 2026 edition of NXT in the first round of the tournament to determine the next challenger for the Women’s Speed Championship.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley could be returning to Hollywood as he recently teased a new movie project. Foley announced on Instagram that he met with a top Hollywood executive and discussed one of his personal stories to be made into a movie.
He further clarified that the project is separate from his biopic and he could even portray himself in the project:
\”MOVIE DEAL FOR MICK? I’m very happy about my meeting with a top Hollywood exec about turning one of my stories into a movie. This is a separate project from the biopic that’s in the works – a unique story based on real life experiences. I might even get to portray myself!…have a nice day!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVCPjddkZTh
Paul Walter Hauser also recently announced that he’s set to portray Foley in an upcoming limited series. He told The Stunner’s Rob Pasbani:
“Yeah. No, we can we can kind of break that news. I haven’t said it yet, but I’m attached to play Mick. A limited series. We haven’t we haven’t gone out to market with it yet, but… it’s happening,” Paul Walter Hauser said.
The Hardcore Legend has previously starred in “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” “Boy Meets World,” “30 Rock,” and more. He is also a New York Times Best Selling author who has written fiction and non-fiction.
Liv Morgan recently said that she and Dominik Mysterio are a better couple than Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. The Women\’s World Champion made the claim during an interview with KTLA Entertainment on February 18th, 2026.
Morgan, the 2026 Women\’s Royal Rumble winner, has been involved in a romantic storyline with Dominik Mysterio for two-and-a-half years. The storyline has included championship wins and other developments. However, Dominik Mysterio is married to Marie Juliette in real life.
Liv Morgan on Her Relationship With Dominik Mysterio
When asked about Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch being \”couple goals,\” Liv Morgan asserted that she and Dominik are superior. Morgan stated:
\”No, no, no, we’re still better. Oh, we’re still better. We are the greatest couple in the history of WWE. But you know, with Dominik and I, it was not love at first sight. I kind of just wanted to use him to make one of my opponents mad and jealous, but then look at us! Look at us! It was a love story for the ages.”
Liv Morgan also addressed her upcoming WrestleMania 42 decision regarding Stephanie Vaquer, following their confrontation on RAW. Morgan insisted that she is not rushing her decision to pick her opponent at the \’Show of Shows.\’ The Judgment Day member further clarified that she did not cry during a recent interview with Michael Cole, but got dust in her eyes. She said she will make an educated decision on who she will pick for WrestleMania.
Former WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu recently revealed that he underwent extensive dental work during his recent absence from WWE. The SmackDown superstar had 11 teeth extracted. He shared the details in a recent interview.
Fatu was written off WWE SmackDown on October 17th, 2025, following a backstage attack by Drew McIntyre. He returned to WWE on January 9th, 2026, during an Undisputed WWE Championship match where he attacked Drew McIntyre.
Jacob Fatu on Busted Open
Speaking with Busted Open, Jacob Fatu explained the dental procedure he underwent. He also reflected on how being away from the spotlight affected his interactions with others.
\”I mean, 11 teeth. I was supposed to get 12 teeth. I got 11 teeth pulled out in the back. So got 11 teeth. It was being home, and man, honestly, I remember my uncle Rikishi saying this, ‘when you’re home and something, you know, you, you been out of sight, out of mind, you know, that phone’s gonna stop ringing.’ That phone stopped ringing, you know? It was like, you know, nothing with my family or anything. But once you got seen it with my family, you get calls, need this, need that,\” Fatu said.
Fatu is currently on the SmackDown brand. He did not qualify for the Men\’s Elimination Chamber on February 13th, 2026. He previously won the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania 41 on April 19th, 2025, and the WWE Tag Team Championship on August 2nd, 2024.
WWE recently filed trademarks for the names CJ Valor, Santi Rivera, and Romeo Moreno on February 19th, 2026, with the US Patent and Trademark Office. It seems that these might be used as names of future WWE Superstars.
WWE files new trademarks
The trademarks include the standard description for professional wrestling entertainment services. The filings are part of the promotion’s ongoing effort to secure intellectual property. No individuals have been confirmed to be associated with these ring names.
This possibly indicates WWE\’s intention to introduce a new character, persona, or talent under these names in the future. The company usually files trademarks for new ring names ahead of talent debuts or repackaging existing wrestlers. There is a huge possibility that wrestlers with names CJ Valor, Santi Rivera, and Romeo Moreno might soon appear in either NXT, Raw, or SmackDown.
On Friday, February 20th, WWE also registered the trademark for Kai Kavari. This name comes after a series of other recent trademark filings, which included Tristan Angels and Dorian Van Dux.
Former TNA superstar Joe Doering is battling brain tumor for the third time. The announcement came recently and his family is seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical expenses.
Doering has been fighting brain cancer for nearly a decade, since around 2016. He has undergone radiation treatment and completed his first round of chemotherapy, with treatment scheduled to continue for at least 5 more months. His wife has taken time off work to support his medical and rehabilitation needs.
Following his last brain surgery in 2022, Doering developed ataxia on his right side, impacting his mobility and requiring him to primarily use a wheelchair. As per the GoFundMe campaign, Doering works hard with physiotherapy.
Wrestling Community Support
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by his sister-in-law to provide assistance with medical bills and financial strain. A family member shared on the GoFundMe page, \”As my brother in-law approaches 10 years of battling Brain Cancer, he finds himself in the midst of battling a third brain tumor.\”
Doering is known for his time in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he is a former Triple Crown Champion, winning the title in 2014 and 2017. He also held the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice as part of Violent by Design. Doering retired from wrestling after his second brain tumor surgery in 2022.
Former WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu recently revealed that his time away from WWE television was about resetting his life, both mentally and physically. He returned to WWE on the January 9th, 2026, edition of Friday Night SmackDown, costing Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Title in his match against Drew McIntyre.
Speaking with Busted Open Radio, Fatu addressed his absence following the October 2025 segment with Drew McIntyre that led to dental surgery. He had 11 teeth pulled due to the injury. Fatu explained that the timing of his absence allowed him to reconnect with his family.
Fatu on Family Time
Fatu explained the importance of spending time with his family during his time away from wrestling and how it has impacted him.
Jacob Fatu said:
\”But I believe it was God’s timing. I missed out on a lot of opportunities, but when I came back, I had to double back. When I was off, it was around the holidays — October, November, December, New Year’s. My kids were home, and I was home with them. That was something I had lost touch with. I’m getting goosebumps talking about it. If y’all know me, you know I’ve got kids. And this ain’t a work. I keep saying that because y’all are going to feel it. You’re going to feel Jacob Fatu in full motion.\”
Fatu also recalled his uncle Rikishi\’s advice about how quickly things can change when you’re out of sight and out of mind. He realized the phone stops ringing when you\’re out of sight and out of mind.
Jacob Fatu recently competed in a Men\’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match but failed to pick up the win.
The chances of Chris Jericho\’s return to WWE are looking slim, and the situation is getting more complicated. There has been speculation regarding the future of the former AEW World Champion for the last few months.
It was widely believed that \’The Wizard\’ would be returning to WWE after his AEW contract expired. However, a recent update from Fightful Select suggested that his AEW deal was frozen when he took time off from the promotion in April last year.
Chris Jericho\’s AEW Status
Wrestling Observer Radio has now weighed in on the matter, and it seems Chris Jericho is unlikely to leave AEW anytime soon.
It was reported that Jericho\’s deal might have been extended due to his time off last year. Dave Meltzer has reported that he has \”heard things along those lines.\”
Chris Jericho's contract has been reportedly frozen by AEW.
"It's like with Cody Rhodes… it's just better for his career at this point to be with a fan base that's more willing to accept him."
He further explained that contract extensions due to time off are standard practice across the wrestling industry. If a wrestler is \”out for a period of time,\” promotions \”can add that time back on.\”
Last November, President Tony Khan said that Jericho\’s AEW absence had to do more with working out dates of his deal rather than creative differences.
Chris Jericho might jump ship to WWE in the future but given the situation it is unlikely he would return anytime soon.
NFL legend Pat McAfee is set to broaden his Hollywood presence with a guest role on \’Tulsa King,\’ as Ari Emanuel reportedly aims to transform him into the \”next Sylvester Stallone.\”
The news comes from a Bloomberg report highlighting Emanuel\’s vision for the sports analyst and media personality.
Emanuel, the executive chairman of TKO Group and WME, is reportedly representing McAfee and pushing him towards scripted television and film roles.
McAfee\’s Acting Ambitions
McAfee has booked a four-episode guest stint on the upcoming season of \’Tulsa King,\’ starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight. It has been reported that Emanuel\’s vision is to make McAfee the \”next Sylvester Stallone,\” indicating a desire to position him as a major action star. McAfee also has a role in the upcoming film “The Mosquito Bowl.”
McAfee is currently an ESPN analyst and host of \’The Pat McAfee Show,\’ which airs weekdays at noon ET on ESPN and 2 p.m. ET on YouTube.
In early February 2026, McAfee was broadcasting from San Francisco, covering Super Bowl LX coverage. On February 5th, 2026, McAfee interviewed San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on \’The Pat McAfee Show\’.
Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently dropped hints at a potential heel turn in the future. \’The American Nightmare\’ has been a babyface since his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 and has consistently served as a babyface for the promotion. However, he is not ruling out a potential villainous run in the future.
Cody Rhodes Talks About Potential Heel Turn
Speaking on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Rhodes highlighted that he likes the challenge of being a babyface but feels turning heel might be something he could need at one point. He explained:
“I feel right now, I like the challenge of being a babyface, because it seems almost impossible some nights. Because it’s easier to be cooler.
\”I think if we ever transition or if (being) a heel was to come back up, that might be something I could even need in my life and don’t realize it, just from the sheer, ‘Let’s go out there and have some fun.’
Cody Rhodes recently lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a 3 Stages of Hell Match due to interference by Jacob Fatu. He also recently qualified for the 2026 men’s WWE Elimination Chamber match. The winner of the match will earn a shot at Drew McIntyre\’s Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
An update has emerged on former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega after he was brutally attacked by Swerve Strickland on this week\’s AEW Dynamite.
The duo headlined Dynamite in Sacramento, California and it marked their first-ever singles match. The 20-minute match saw some spectacular moments with both of them going all out for the win.
\’The Cleaner\’ hit multiple V-Triggers in the final moments of the bout, but Strickland pinned him after hitting a House Call. However, things turned ugly as Strickland landed punches after the bell rang.
He further got a chain from Prince Nana and hung Omega over the ropes. Strickland then hit Omega with a Deadeye through the announce table.
Kenny Omega\’s Status
Fightful Select has reported that Omega is not currently scheduled to wrestle at AEW Revolution due to some scheduling conflicts.
“Kenny Omega vs. Swerve Strickland is in the books, and Kenny Omega has some scheduling conflicts for the future.”
It has been reported that Omega informed AEW about the conflict months ago, which is why the match with Strickland was scheduled on February 18th Dynamite instead of taking place at the pay-per-view.
“Omega took on Swerve Strickland on AEW Dynamite, but will not be wrestling at the upcoming Revolution PPV for AEW. We’re told that he informed AEW of the scheduling conflict a number of months ago, which is why the match ended up on the February 18 Dynamite.” [H/T – Ringside News]
Reports further suggest that Omega isn’t currently planned to compete at Revolution but he could be involved with the show in some capacity.
“We’re told that Kenny Omega is possible for an appearance at AEW Revolution, but as of today he isn’t planned to wrestle.”
AEW Revolution is scheduled to take place on March 15th from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Aalyah Mysterio, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, has trained in wrestling and enjoyed the experience. However, she has not committed to a full-time wrestling career.
The former World Champion revealed that Aalyah trained at the WWE Performance Center (PC) in Orlando and The Dungeon 2.0 with Natalya, TJ Wilson, Rey Mysterio, and other WWE stars. Aalyah\’s potential WWE in-ring future remains unconfirmed pending further training.
Rey Mysterio has revealed that he took Aalyah to train after she expressed interest right before he was cleared from injury. Aalyah graduated in June and trained shortly after, flying to the PC on a Wednesday.
“Right before I got cleared from my injury, I went to the PC in Orlando. My daughter had been asking me, ‘Dad, I want to jump in the ring. I want to see what it’s like.’ I told her we’d do it when she graduated. So she graduated in June, and we flew up there on a Wednesday.”
Rey was surprised by Aalyah\’s natural talent and positioning in the ring, and she enjoyed it despite the stiffness of the ropes and bumps. He added:
\”I was like there is no way. This is your first time stepping in the ring? She had a connection with, just positioning, hitting the ropes, oh my that is scary crazy. She just went in there with me to feel what it was like. To feel the mat, to feel the ropes. I am afraid she might be (an athlete) if she decides to take that path.”
Rey Mysterio is planning to get Aalyah to try a full week of training to determine her wrestling future. The Mysterio legacy is in safe hands as his son, Dominik Mysterio has already made a name for himself in WWE. He is currently enjoying his reign as AAA Mega Champion and WWE Intercontinental Champion.
WWE is going all out for former WWE Champion AJ Styles\’ upcoming celebration on Monday Night Raw. It has come to light that talent from both rosters will be on hand for the tribute.
Per Bryan Alvarez of F4W/WON, SmackDown stars are being flown in for this Monday\’s Raw, indicating that the celebration won\’t be limited to just the red brand\’s roster. The move signals that WWE is treating this as a significant, roster-wide send-off for Styles.
The celebration is scheduled for Monday, February 23rd at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, just a short drive from Styles\’ hometown of Gainesville. The location adds a personal touch to what is already shaping up to be an emotional night for one of WWE\’s most celebrated performers.
The tribute comes roughly three weeks after Styles suffered a loss to Gunther at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Full WWE Raw Card for February 23, 2026
In addition to the Styles celebration, Monday\’s show has several other matches and segments confirmed:
A tribute to AJ Styles (SmackDown talent flying in)
Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane
Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano
Brock Lesnar is also set to return on the same night, with two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches rounding out the card as WWE builds toward Elimination Chamber on February 28 at the United Center in Chicago.
US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently detailed how her friendship with President Donald Trump, stemming from WWE, led to her role in the White House. McMahon served as CEO of WWE until 2009 and was heavily involved in business operations, licensing deals, TV deals, and merchandising.
McMahon first came across Donald Trump more than twenty years ago at a Rolling Stones concert, where Trump had invited her husband, and former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Trump also made an appearance at WrestleMania 23 in 2007, strengthening the McMahon family\’s business relationship with him. McMahon has now explained how her relationship with Trump began through WWE and led to her cabinet position.
\”It was almost 30 years ago now and we met and he was a big fan of the product of WWE and he came in he was in some of our story lines some of the highest rated storylines. We became friends and we\’ve been friends ever since and I was honored it was the honor of a lifetime to serve in his cabinet.\”
McMahon served as head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2017, resigning in April 2019. She was later nominated by President-elect Trump on November 19, 2024, to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education for the second Trump administration.
McMahon is also chair of the board for the America First Policy Institute. The McMahons have donated over $68 million to political causes in the last decade.
WWE and WCW legend Marc Mero recently provided a positive health update on social media following a recent medical scare involving his heart.
The former Intercontinental Champion revealed that six weeks ago, during a routine echocardiogram follow-up on the heart valve he had replaced in 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic, doctors noticed his aorta appeared enlarged and might require immediate surgical attention.
Mero received a bovine valve during his 2016 procedure, which typically lasts 10-15 years before requiring replacement through another open-heart surgery.
Dr. Karim at Gwinnett Northside Hospital ordered a CT scan three weeks ago to get clearer imaging. If surgery had been necessary, doctors would have replaced the valve simultaneously since it had been nearly ten years since the original procedure.
Mero said that he kept the situation private, sharing the news only with his wife Malissa, close family members, and a few friends. He defined the experience as sobering, writing that hearing terms like \”enlarged aorta\” and \”possible surgery\” created constant, quiet anticipation.
\”When your heart is involved, time stretches,\” Mero wrote, describing the drive to his appointment and the wait for results as feeling much longer than it actually was.
Marc Mero\’s Positive Health Update
The news ultimately proved positive. Dr. Karim informed Mero that the CT scan showed his valve still functioning excellently and that his aorta did not require repair. The doctor instructed him to continue his current health regimen, confirming he was in excellent condition.
The timing of the positive results holds special significance for Mero and Malissa, who have a long-awaited honeymoon planned in two months.
\”Malissa and I thank God for answered prayers,\” Mero concluded in his social media post.
Marc Mero wrestled for WWE from 1996 to 1998 and WCW from 1991 to 1996 and again in 1999. He won the Intercontinental Championship once and the WCW World Television Championship twice during his career. Since retiring from wrestling, Mero has focused on motivational speaking and advocacy work.
Former WWE World Champion Seth Rollins has revealed that Je\’Von Evans suffered a concussion on the January 19th episode of WWE Raw. The injury occurred during Evans\’ match against El Grande Americano in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The match was stopped by referee Jessika Carr due to a medical concern.
Rollins referenced Evans\’ injury when speaking about WWE\’s concussion protocols, stating:
\”There are sometimes where you’ll get a concussion, or you’ll see somebody get a concussion. I’ve fortunately not been in this position, but you get a concussion, the ref sees that happen, and that’s it, it’s done. They call the match off. Young fella named Je’Von Evans just had this happen to him maybe two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw. He butted heads with his opponent, he got concussed, there was a little, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ They kind of let him walk through a little of the rest of the match while he was out there, and then it became apparent that he wasn’t himself, so that was it. It’s just communication.\”
Evans, a recent call-up from NXT, had been feuding with members of the Americano family since his main roster debut in December 2025, defeating Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano before the injury. On the latest edition of the flagship show, Evans defeated Dominik Mysterio and Gunther to qualify for this year\’s Men\’s Elimination Chamber match.